LANE RANGER

Sharpes Ferry Bridge fix on track to be finished by Jan. 1

Published: Sunday, October 6, 2013 at 7:04 p.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, October 6, 2013 at 7:04 p.m.

Those keeping tabs on work at the Sharpes Ferry Bridge can expect the repairs to be completed by the first of the year, and with few delays encountered by motorists.

In April 2012, an $8.2 million project to erect a concrete span to replace the historic truss bridge that had served residents since the 1920s was completed, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. Then, in June 2012, a retaining wall collapsed.

Although no damage occurred to the bridge itself, according to the FDOT, the contractor, Orion Marine Group, began in-warranty repair work to the bridge walls in January this year.

“The ongoing work, all being done under the original warranty, consists of corrective and strengthening measures on the retaining walls on either side of the Sharpes Ferry Bridge,” according to an FDOT statement.

Orion’s vice president of finance and accounting, Chris DeAlmedia, said during a phone interview that the work at the site should be completed by “the first of the year.”

Steve Olson, the FDOT information manager for East/Central Florida, said the bridge itself was never impacted; the approach areas leading up to the bridge were impacted.

“The time to finish was affected by negotiations between the design-build team and FDOT regarding the best way to correct the issue that caused the failure, and to redesign the methods of supporting the walls so it does not happen again,” Olson stated in an email.

The FDOT noted that traffic along County Road 314 between State Road 40 and State Road 35 may continue to be impacted, with some single lane closures managed by workers directing traffic flow.

<p>Those keeping tabs on work at the Sharpes Ferry Bridge can expect the repairs to be completed by the first of the year, and with few delays encountered by motorists.</p><p>In April 2012, an $8.2 million project to erect a concrete span to replace the historic truss bridge that had served residents since the 1920s was completed, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. Then, in June 2012, a retaining wall collapsed.</p><p>Although no damage occurred to the bridge itself, according to the FDOT, the contractor, Orion Marine Group, began in-warranty repair work to the bridge walls in January this year.</p><p>“The ongoing work, all being done under the original warranty, consists of corrective and strengthening measures on the retaining walls on either side of the Sharpes Ferry Bridge,” according to an FDOT statement.</p><p>Orion's vice president of finance and accounting, Chris DeAlmedia, said during a phone interview that the work at the site should be completed by “the first of the year.”</p><p>Steve Olson, the FDOT information manager for East/Central Florida, said the bridge itself was never impacted; the approach areas leading up to the bridge were impacted.</p><p>“The time to finish was affected by negotiations between the design-build team and FDOT regarding the best way to correct the issue that caused the failure, and to redesign the methods of supporting the walls so it does not happen again,” Olson stated in an email.</p><p>The FDOT noted that traffic along County Road 314 between State Road 40 and State Road 35 may continue to be impacted, with some single lane closures managed by workers directing traffic flow.</p><p><i>Contact the Lane Ranger at aflaneranger@yahoo.com.</i></p>